The Mercedes-Benz EQA is an all-electric subcompact luxury crossover SUV manufactured by the German automaker Mercedes-Benz.
Mercedes initially introduced the EQA in January 2021. It has three available trims: AMG Line, AMG Line Premium, and AMG Line Premium Plus.
The EQA sports the EQ’s appearance, the brand’s modern all-electric trademark. However, its body is derived from the GLA, Mercedes’ traditional compact crossover.
It is also the smallest EV, Mercedes produced.
New Features in 2023
The 2023 Mercedes EQA will have a revamped design concentrated at its front. It will integrate features from higher-class Mercedes EQE SUV and EQS SUV models.
Specifically, it will have bigger and more striking headlamps, which could be its visual identity. It will also have new allow wheel designs from 18″ to 20″ and body paint options.
Apart from that, it will feature the new deep black faux radiator grille, offering a fresh design for the three-dimensional star pattern.
Design and Aesthetics
a. Exterior design and style
The EQA has an electric athlete design in a GLA format. It sports new brake lights and another full-width light bar. Its number plate is now on the bumper as the light bar takes up big space. It has a black panel radiator grille with Mercedes-EQ’s central star trademark. Its front and rear also have a continuous light strip.
In addition, its daytime running lights and the full-LED headlamps are linked by a horizontal fiber-optic strip.
Key exterior features include:
- Rear side wing doors
- 3rd brake light
- Black panel radiator grille with twin blade design in chrome
- Surround lighting with projection of brand logo
- AMG Line body styling, including AMG front apron with integrated air curtain and AMG rear apron with diffusor optics
- Front and rear LED light band
- LED High-performance headlamps with adaptive high-beam assist
- Privacy glass – heat-insulating dark-tinted glass
- Daytime running lights
- Polished aluminum roof rails
- Rain sensor windscreen wipers
- Electrically adjustable door mirrors
- Body color bumpers
- Rear wiper
- Heated door mirrors
- Front fog lights
- Electric rear windows
- Electric front windows
Meanwhile, below are the EQA’s dimensions and weight details:
| Items | Mercedes EQA 250 | Mercedes EQA 250+ | Mercedes EQA 300 4MATIC | Mercedes EQA 350 4MATIC |
| Length | 4463 mm | 4463 mm | 4463 mm | 4463 mm |
| Width | 1834 mm | 1834 mm | 1834 mm | 1834 mm |
| Width with mirrors | 2020 mm | 2020 mm | 2020 mm | 2020 mm |
| Height | 1620 mm | 1620 mm | 1620 mm | 1620 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2729 mm | 2729 mm | 2729 mm | 2729 mm |
| Weight Unladen (EU) | 2040 kg | 2045 kg | 2105 kg | 2105 kg |
| Gross Vehicle Weight (GVWR) | 2470 kg | 2470 kg | 2535 kg | 2535 kg |
| Max. Payload | 505 kg | 500 kg | 505 kg | 505 kg |
| Cargo Volume | 340 L | 340 L | 340 L | 340 L |
| Cargo Volume Max | 1320 L | 1320 L | 1320 L | 1320 L |
| Cargo Volume Frunk | 0 L | 0 L | 0 L | 0 L |
| Roof Load | 75 kg | 75 kg | 75 kg | 75 kg |
| Tow Hitch Possible | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Towing Weight Unbraked | 750 kg | 750 kg | 750 kg | 750 kg |
| Towing Weight Braked | 750 kg | 750 kg | 1800 kg | 1800 kg |
| Vertical Load Max | 80 kg | 80 kg | 80 kg | 80 kg |
b. Interior design and materials
The 2023 Mercedes EQA will have a new steering wheel design. It will also use an upgraded MBUX system (NTG7), which indicates that the old center console touchpad will be removed. It also has two 10-inch displays.
The materials are luxurious, the design is stunning, and the nighttime lighting is jazzy. Its standard 64-color ambient lighting is also pleasing.
Key interior features include:
- Artico man-made leather/ MICROCUT microfiber upholstery
- Single front passenger seat
- 3-spoke AMG multifunction sports flat-bottom steering wheel in Nappa leather with galvanized shift paddles
- Double Cupholder
- Illuminated door sills with EQA lettering
- Stowage compartment with retractable cover
- AMG brushed stainless steel sports pedals with aluminum rubber studs
- Roof lining – Black fabric
- Ambient lighting with a choice of 64 color settings
- Three-seat bench in 2nd row
- Reach and rake adjustable steering column
- 40:20:40 Split folding rear seats
- Thermotropic automatic climate control
- Rear armrest with storage + through load
- Velour floor mats with AMG lettering
- AMG sports seats
- Front and rear head restraints
- Heated front seats
c. Build quality and fit and finish
The EQA has the same basic structure as other Mercedes models. Nonetheless, it has an excellent fit and finish. Its build quality is also remarkable, with soft-touch plastics on all higher interior surfaces, chrome accents, and the brand’s signature turbine-style air vents.
d. Ergonomics and comfort
The battery reduces the foot space for those in the back seats, making row two feel more like a hatchback. You’re still perched up high but in an odd squatting position. Nonetheless, the front has enough space for two people to sit comfortably.
e. Cargo space and storage
The boot is only 340 liters deep below the parcel shelf and is also somewhat shallow. Its floor has a nook where the charging cords are stored. It also has fine in-car storage, such as the space below the center console and a pair of cupholders.
Performance and Driving Dynamics
a. Powertrain and battery specifications
| Powertrain | Mercedes EQA 250 | Mercedes EQA 250+ | Mercedes EQA 300 4MATIC | Mercedes EQA 350 4MATIC |
| 69.7 kWh | 140 kW (190 PS) | 140 kW (190 PS) | 168 kW (228 PS) | 215 kW (292 PS) |
| Lithium-ion | 385 Nm | 385 Nm | 390 Nm | 520 Nm |
| 300 | Front | Front | AWD | AWD |
| 400 V | Mercedes EQA 250 | Mercedes EQA 250+ | Mercedes EQA 300 4MATIC | Mercedes EQA 350 4MATIC |
| 66.5 kWh | 69.7 kWh | 73.9 kWh | 69.7 kWh | 69.7 kWh |
| No Data | Lithium-ion | Lithium-ion | Lithium-ion | Lithium-ion |
| 100s3p | 300 | No Data | 300 | 300 |
| 367 V | 400 V | 400 V | 400 V | 400 V |
| 69.7 kWh | 66.5 kWh | 70.5 kWh | 66.5 kWh | 66.5 kWh |
| Lithium-ion | No Data | No Data | No Data | No Data |
| 300 | 100s3p | No Data | 100s3p | 100s3p |
| 400 V | 367 V | No Data | 367 V | 367 V |
b. Acceleration and top speed
| Items | Mercedes EQA 250 | Mercedes EQA 250+ | Mercedes EQA 300 4MATIC | Mercedes EQA 350 4MATIC |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 8.6 sec | 8.6 sec | 7.7 sec | 6.0 sec |
| Top Speed | 160 km/h | 160 km/h | 160 km/h | 160 km/h |
c. Handling and ride quality
Riding the EQA is eerily silent, even for an electric car. You can only hear the outer pedestrian-warning whirr at extremely low speed.
The ride is a little bit bumpy at low speeds. Nevertheless, you would barely notice them as they do not produce noticeable noise. You can definitely see a difference in overall handling because the EQA has a multi-link rear axle. It also boasts steering accuracy in addition to ride refinement.
d. Braking performance
The EQA’s combined braking systems perform admirably. The pedal progresses gradually, allowing for ample regeneration before gracefully adding friction.
e. Regenerative braking
A set of wheel paddles also allows you to control the force of the lift-off regeneration modes. It also features an “auto” regeneration setting, like a handful of its competitors. Unless the radar indicates that the automobile you’re following is slowing down or that a speed limit is approaching, this lets the car cruise.
The regenerative brakes also reduce mental effort. Lifting off the throttle feels like a parachute has blown out the back windshield on its most intrusive setting. Nonetheless, you will soon learn to raise your right foot softly while gradually metering in the motor’s recovering forces. Additionally, it significantly lessens brake disc and pad wear.
Range, Charging, and Efficiency:
a. EPA-estimated range and real-world range
| Items | Mercedes EQA 250 | Mercedes EQA 250+ | Mercedes EQA 300 4MATIC | Mercedes EQA 350 4MATIC |
| EPA Range | – | – | – | – |
| EVDB Real Range | 395 km | 420 km | 350 km | 350 km |
| NEDC Ratings | – | – | 493 km | 493 km |
| WLTP Ratings | TEL: 496 kmTEH: 458 km | TEL: 531 kmTEH: 489 km | TEL: 438 kmTEH: 411 km | TEL: 438 kmTEH: 411 km |
b. Charging
| Home / Destination | Mercedes EQA 250 | Mercedes EQA 250+ | Mercedes EQA 300 4MATIC | Mercedes EQA 350 4MATIC |
| Charge Port | Type 2 | Type 2 | Type 2 | Type 2 |
| Port Location | Right Side – Rear | Right Side – Rear | Right Side – Rear | Right Side – Rear |
| Charge Power | 11 kW AC | 11 kW AC | 11 kW AC | 11 kW AC |
| Charge Time (0->395 km) | 7h15m | 7h45m | 7h15m | 7h15m |
| Charge Speed | 56 km/h | 56 km/h | 49 km/h | 49 km/h |
| Fast Charging | Mercedes EQA 250 | Mercedes EQA 250+ | Mercedes EQA 300 4MATIC | Mercedes EQA 350 4MATIC |
| Fastcharge Port | CCS | CCS | CCS | CCS |
| FC Port Location | Right Side – Rear | Right Side – Rear | Right Side – Rear | Right Side – Rear |
| Fastcharge Power (max) | 112 kW DC | 120 kW DC | 112 kW DC | 112 kW DC |
| Fastcharge Time (40->316 km) | 29 min | 30 min | 29 min | 29 min |
| Fastcharge Speed | 570 km/h | 580 km/h | 500 km/h | 500 km/h |
c. Charging times for various charging levels (Level 1, Level 2, DC Fast Charging)
Home and Destination Charging (0 -> 100%)
| Charging PointType 2 (Mennekes – IEC 62196) | Max. Power | Power | TimeEQA 250 | RateEQA 250 | TimeEQA 250+ | RateEQA 250+ | Time300 4MATIC | Rate300 4MATIC | Time350 4MATIC | Rate350 4MATIC |
| Wall Plug (2.3 kW) | 230V / 1x10A | 2.3 kW | 34 hours | 12 km/h | 36h15m | 12 km/h | 34 hours | 10 km/h | 34 hours | 10 km/h |
| 1-phase 16A (3.7 kW) | 230V / 1x16A | 3.7 kW | 21h15m | 19 km/h | 22h30m | 19 km/h | 21h15m | 16 km/h | 21h15m | 16 km/h |
| 1-phase 32A (7.4 kW) | 230V / 1x32A | 7.4 kW | 10h45m | 37 km/h | 11h15m | 37 km/h | 10h45m | 33 km/h | 10h45m | 33 km/h |
| 3-phase 16A (11 kW) | 400V / 3x16A | 11 kW | 7h15m | 54 km/h | 7h45m | 54 km/h | 7h15m | 48 km/h | 7h15m | 48 km/h |
| 3-phase 32A (22 kW) | 400V / 3x16A | 11 kW † | 7h15m | 54 km/h | 7h45m | 54 km/h | 7h15m | 48 km/h | 7h15m | 48 km/h |
Fast Charging (10 -> 80%)
| Charging PointCombined Charging System (CCS Combo 2) | Max. Power | Avg. Power | TimeEQA 250 | RateEQA 250 | TimeEQA 250+ | RateEQA 250+ | Time300 4MATIC | Rate300 4MATIC | Time350 4MATIC | Rate350 4MATIC |
| CCS (50 kW DC) | 49 kW † | 47 kW † | 63 min | 260 km/h | – | – | 63 min | 230 km/h | 63 min | 230 km/h |
| CCS (50 kW DC) | 50 kW | 45 kW † | – | – | 69 min | 250 km/h | – | – | – | – |
| CCS (100 kW DC) | 100 kW | 85 kW † | – | – | 37 min | 470 km/h | – | – | – | – |
| CCS (150 kW DC) | 112 kW † | 100 kW † | 29 min | 570 km/h | – | – | 29 min | 500 km/h | 29 min | 500 km/h |
| CCS (150 kW DC) | 120 kW † | 105 kW † | – | – | 30 min | 580 km/h | – | – | – | – |
| CCS (300 kW DC) | 112 kW † | 100 kW † | 29 min | 570 km/h | – | – | 29 min | 500 km/h | 29 min | 500 km/h |
d. Energy consumption and efficiency
| EVDB Real Range | Mercedes EQA 250 | Mercedes EQA 250+ | Mercedes EQA 300 4MATIC | Mercedes EQA 350 4MATIC |
| Range | 395 km | 420 km | 350 km | 350 km |
| Vehicle Consumption | 168 Wh/km | 168 Wh/km | 190 Wh/km | 190 Wh/km |
| CO2 Emissions | 0 g/km | 0 g/km | 0 g/km | 0 g/km |
| Vehicle Fuel Equivalent | 1.9 l/100km | 1.9 l/100km | 2.1 l/100km | 2.1 l/100km |
| WLTP Ratings (TEL) | 496 km | 531 km | 438 km | 438 km |
| Rated Consumption | 154 Wh/km | 153 Wh/km | 175 Wh/km | 175 Wh/km |
| Vehicle Consumption | 134 Wh/km | 133 Wh/km | 152 Wh/km | 152 Wh/km |
| CO2 Emissions | 0 g/km | 0 g/km | 0 g/km | 0 g/km |
| Rated Fuel Equivalent | 1.7 l/100km | 1.7 l/100km | 2.0 l/100km | 2.0 l/100km |
| Vehicle Fuel Equivalent | 1.5 l/100km | 1.5 l/100km | 1.7 l/100km | 1.7 l/100km |
| WLTP Ratings (TEH) | 458 km | 489 km | 411 km | 411 km |
| Rated Consumption | 169 Wh/km | 168 Wh/km | 185 Wh/km | 185 Wh/km |
| Vehicle Consumption | 145 Wh/km | 144 Wh/km | 162 Wh/km | 162 Wh/km |
| CO2 Emissions | 0 g/km | 0 g/km | 0 g/km | 0 g/km |
| Rated Fuel Equivalent | 1.9 l/100km | 1.9 l/100km | 2.1 l/100km | 2.1 l/100km |
| Vehicle Fuel Equivalent | 1.6 l/100km | 1.6 l/100km | 1.8 l/100km | 1.8 l/100km |
| NEDC Ratings | – | – | 493 km | 493 km |
| Rated Consumption | – | – | 158 Wh/km | 158 Wh/km |
| Vehicle Consumption | – | – | 135 Wh/km | 135 Wh/km |
| CO2 Emissions | – | – | 0 g/km | 0 g/km |
| Rated Fuel Equivalent | – | – | 1.8 l/100km | 1.8 l/100km |
| Vehicle Fuel Equivalent | – | – | 1.5 l/100km | 1.5 l/100km |
TEL = Test Energy Low | TEH = Test Energy High
Vehicle Miscellaneous
| Items | Mercedes EQA 250 | Mercedes EQA 250+ | Mercedes EQA 300 4MATIC | Mercedes EQA 350 4MATIC |
| Seats | 5 people | 5 people | 5 people | 5 people |
| Isofix | Yes, 2 seats | Yes, 2 seats | Yes, 2 seats | Yes, 2 seats |
| Turning Circle | 11.4 m | 11.4 m | 11.4 m | 11.4 m |
| Platform | DAIMLER MFA2 | DAIMLER MFA2 | DAIMLER MFA2 | DAIMLER MFA2 |
| Car Body | SUV | SUV | SUV | SUV |
| Segment | JC – Medium | JC – Medium | JC – Medium | JC – Medium |
| Roof Rails | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| EV Dedicated Platform | No | No | No | No |
Infotainment and Connectivity
a. Dashboard and instrument cluster
Screens dominate the EQA’s dashboard, given that it has full-sized pair. It has two 10-inch displays. However, you can also utilize a pad controller between the seats and voice activation that uses natural language.
Alternatively, you can tap the screens directly to use the fast-rendering interfaces or the steering wheel’s strokable buttons. Therefore, there ought to be a manner to use MBUX that appeals to most people. It also offers a USB-C slot and a 12-volt socket.
b. Infotainment system and features
The 2023 EQA is standardly equipped with a dual ten-inch infotainment display. They integrate seamlessly, creating one big screen.
The EQA is equipped with the “Hey Mercedes” voice command capability. It also comes standard with Sat-nav, allowing you to set routes per the fastest charging points.
c. Smartphone integration (Apple CarPlay, Android Auto)
The 2023 Mercedes EQA’s Smartphone Integration allows the car to access Apple® CarPlay® or Android Auto®.
d. Over-the-air software updates
Unfortunately, the EQA does not support an over-the-air update capability.
Safety and Driver Assistance:
a. Driver assistance and safety systems (ADAS)
The 2023 EQA offers the following driving assistance systems:
- Blind Spot Assist
- Active Lane Keeping Assist
- Active Brake Assist
It also has the following safety features as standard:
- Isofix child seat anchor points on outer rear seats
- Knee bags
- Radar-based recuperation
- Electric parking brake
- Six airbags – Driver, front passenger, curtain, and side airbags
- Front passenger airbag deactivation
- Child locks on rear doors
- Electronic Stability Programme
- Three rear seatbelts
- Anti-lock brake system
The EQA also protects the owner’s security through its Guard 360-degree vehicle protection and Remote central locking.
Reliability, Maintenance and Warranty
a. Reliability and build quality concerns
Since the EQA has only been on the market for a short time, owners have not reported any significant problems. It is likely helpful that Mercedes based its electric model on the current GLA, which has numerous tried-and-true components. Additionally, electric automobiles have fewer moving parts than cars with combustion engines, so theoretically, less might go wrong.
The EQA also earned a 5-star rating from Euro NCAP in 2019:
| Safety Rating | 5-star |
| Rating Year | 2019 |
| Adult Occupant | 97% |
| Child Occupant | 90% |
| Vulnerable Road Users | 81% |
| Safety Assist | 75% |
For more details on the safety rating of this vehicle, visit euroncap.com
b. Maintenance and service requirements
Mercedes requires servicing the EQA annually or every 15,000 miles, whichever comes first. You’ll receive a message alert on the car’s dashboard or on the Mercedes Me smartphone app before the service schedule.
c. Warranty coverage and options
Like the other Mercedes models, the EQA also comes with a three-year/unlimited-mileage warranty. Its battery also has an eight-year/100,000 miles warranty.
d. Insurance costs and considerations
| Insurance group | Warranty | Service interval | Annual company-car tax cost (20%/40%) |
| 38-45 | 3yrs/unlimited miles | 1yr/15,000 miles | From £208/£416 |
e. Resale value and depreciation
The industry’s highest depreciation rates are observed in Mercedes-Benz vehicles. You should reasonably anticipate losing 40% to 50% of value over three years and up to 60% over five years, depending on the model.
Comparison to Competitors:
a. Comparison with key competitors
| Specs | Mercedes EQA 250 | Kia EV6 Standard Range 2WD |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 8.6 sec | 8.5 sec |
| Top Speed | 160 km/h | 185 km/h |
| Nominal Battery Capacity | 69.7 kWh | 58.0 kWh |
| Electric Range | 395 km | 305 km |
| Total Power | 140 kW (190 PS) | 125 kW (170 PS) |
| Total Torque | 385 Nm | 350 Nm |
| Drive | Front | Rear |
| Pricing | €46,990 | €50,777 |
b. Unique Selling Points and Drawbacks
The Mercedes EQA 250 is equipped with a larger 69.7 kWh battery than the Kia EV6 Standard Range 2WD with only 58.0 kWh. EQA also offers more range at 395 km, more power at 140 kW (190 PS) and more torque at 385 Nm. It is also more affordable, while still delivering excellent build quality and remarkable interior and exterior designs. However, the Kia EV6 can accelerate and drive faster than the Mercedes EQA, as you can see on their acceleration and top speed data.
Variants and Pricing:
a. List the available trim levels, options, and pricing
| Markets | Mercedes EQA 250 | Mercedes EQA 250+ | Mercedes EQA 300 4MATIC | Mercedes EQA 350 4MATIC |
| United Kingdom | Not Available | £52,010 | £53,010 | £54,510 |
| The Netherlands | €57,618 | €59,675 | €64,031 | €66,935 |
| Germany | €50,777 | €52,205 | €53,746 | €56,424 |
b. Value Proposition
The 2023 EQA is not the biggest electric family SUV. Still, it offers a luxurious cabin and a quiet and comfortable ride. It also boasts a remarkable build quality.
The Mercedes EQA offers a quiet and comfortable ride. However, it is not as practical as you might expect. Other EVs also have a more extended range.
We’d only recommend the Mercedes-Benz EQA if you have a location at home where you can charge it, giving you access to inexpensive electricity and the comfort of always having a full battery. The Mercedes EQA combines upscale interior design with respectable practicality, and its electric motor makes it a simple, quiet, and enjoyable car to operate. You can also choose the more affordable entry-level variant, which already has many standard features.
